FeatureCAM supports advanced mill-turn centres

Delcam's latest FeatureCAM version offers more support for advanced CNC mill-turn centres with multiple turrets and/or multiple spindles.

Delcam's latest FeatureCAM version offers more support for advanced CNC mill-turn centres with multiple turrets and/or multiple spindles.

Delcam will launch the latest version of its FeatureCAM feature-based CAM the IMTS exhibition, USA.

FeatureCAM 2009 incorporates enhancements across its complete range of functionality.

There is now more support for complex mill-turn centres featuring multiple turrets and/or multiple spindles.

Additional post-processors for these types of machine have also been introduced.

Work has continued on extending the range of 5-axis options introduced in FeatureCAM 2008.

The software now supports positional and simultaneous 5-axis operation, 5-axis trimming and 5-axis drilling.

Delcam told manufacturingtalk that all these options allow productivity to be improved by enabling parts to be produced in one or two set-ups.

* Simultaneous 4-axis milling - Featurecam provides programming for milling machines with rotary tables and gives a more comprehensive solution for rotary milling and fourth-axis wrapping.

Like the mill-turn and 5-axis enhancements, this added functionality will allow users to tackle more complex parts than could be programmed before.

* Turning - developments have also continued with the more fundamental machining operations.

The main enhancement to the FeatureTURN module has been the addition of support for form tools.

Other improvements include more efficient threading, better control of undercutting, and extra options for pre-drilling before boring.

Similarly, 2D machining has been enhanced with improvements to thread milling, easier control of feeds and speeds, support for a wider range of engraving tools.

In addition, substantial improvements have been made to the FeatureWIRE module, the highlight being faster and easier recognition of 4-axis wire features.

Finally, 3-axis milling has been made more efficient, for example when machining preforms like castings or parts that have already been rough machined.

The new version minimises air cutting thanks to the ability to limit toolpaths to the stock model.

Since no cutting moves are generated outside this boundary, an efficient toolpath strategy can be created more quickly and more easily.

* Delcam at IMTS 2008 machine tool show, McCormick Place, Chicago, Illinois, USA, September 8-13.

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